Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay in Cedar Falls, IA: $19.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a sterile processing technician working in Cedar Falls, IA runs $19.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,394 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Weighted against Cedar Falls's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,231 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Becoming a sterile processing technician in Cedar Falls, Iowa presents an hourly median pay of $19.42, which is notably lower than the national median of $22.94. This difference in hourly rate reflects the local economic conditions and job market for professionals in this field. For those interested in part-time work, typically comprising three days a week, the financial outlook becomes more nuanced. Part-time technicians can expect to earn around $1,558 per month, depending on hours worked, while those in per-diem roles might see varying income levels based on demand and shift availability. The wage range for this profession in Cedar Falls stretches from $14.63 at the entry-level to $27.00 for seasoned technicians, emphasizing growth potential for those who seek certifications like CRCST or advance into specialized certifications.
About the Cedar Falls Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.63 | $117.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.02 | $136.15 |
| Median (P50) | $19.42 | $155.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.23 | $185.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.00 | $216.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cedar Falls
Based on $19.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.42/hr, a sterile processing technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cedar Falls, IA can expect to earn approximately $40,386 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,299. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cedar Falls.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cedar Falls
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $776.65 | $3,365 | $40,386 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $465.99 | $2,019 | $24,231 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $310.66 | $1,346 | $16,154 |
Compare SPT, CRCST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician (Cedar Falls) | $19.42 |
| Surgical Technologist (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
| Nursing Assistant (National Avg) | $18.86 |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Cedar Falls, IA earn a median of $40,394 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.36% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 0.30% below the Iowa state average of $40,515.
Sterile Processing Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.42/hr = $24,231/year (purchasing power: $26,805).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,386/year (purchasing power: $44,674).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Cedar Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for sterile processing technicians in Cedar Falls grew 27.4% from $14.62/hr (2019) to $18.63/hr (2025). At a 4.22% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.24/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem sterile processing technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar Falls metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.22% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Sterile Processing Technician in Cedar Falls
The earning potential for part-time sterile processing technicians working just three days a week can differ significantly from full-time counterparts. While full-time technicians may expect about $40,394 annually, part-timers typically gross around $18,696, based on 24 hours worked weekly. For those seeking greater flexibility, per-diem positions offer a different reality; rates often fall between $22 and $32 per hour, with certified endoscope reprocessors averaging between $28 and $40 in agency roles. Cedar Falls' market varies depending on the employer type—hospital sterile processing departments often provide steadier hours, whereas ambulatory surgery centers and dental practices may have fluctuating needs. Some technicians may opt for less hourly pay in exchange for comprehensive health benefits, highlighting the trade-offs in job choices. Potential candidates should be prepared to negotiate wages effectively, keeping in mind local demands and personal qualifications, especially as credentialing becomes increasingly important in the industry.
More salary data for Cedar Falls, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
Written by Amina Patel, CCSVP
Career Analyst
Amina has 8 years of experience in sterile processing. She specialized in instrument sterilization techniques in a large hospital. Amina analyzes career trends for sterile processing technicians.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for sterile processing technicians in Cedar Falls. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cedar Falls is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.22%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for sterile processing technicians (SOC 31-9093).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, CCSVP, a licensed sterile processing technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov